It’s been a minute since my last blog post, and honestly, sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is to take a step back and recharge. I did just that, and now I’m back!
October brings two powerful reminders about the importance of being seen, supported, and feeling safe both at work and in our communities.
At Expertis, we see a vital connection between mental health and work. Let’s be honest: we spend one-third of our lives at work. Creating safe, healthy workplaces isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for mental well-being. This is especially true for those who choose to “come out” or express their authentic selves at work.
When people feel accepted and valued for who they are, they can truly thrive, both personally and professionally. I can certainly attest to this, as I have worked hard to create that safe space for myself and for anyone who joins our team.
A Personal Reflection
I’ve personally struggled with being vulnerable and open. It’s not easy to come out in the corporate world. I’ve spent so much time trying to get ahead, always laser-focused on career growth and advancement. I was fearful that coming out would somehow negatively impact my career opportunities and derail any path to success. And I know that I’m not alone. Even today, I know many professionals in the LGBTQIA+ community who are still afraid to come out at work. I could not imagine living my daily life behind a mask. Not being able to live authentically would chip away at my soul.
Times have changed, and we’ve definitely made some progress – but in the current political climate of hatred and bullying, being authentic continues to be challenging. Building Expertis gave me the chance to create what I had always imagined: a safe, inclusive space where authenticity is celebrated, not questioned or feared.
How Do We Create Safe Spaces at Work?
Here are a few key practices that any organization can adopt to foster psychological safety and inclusion:
1. Lead with empathy.
It starts with leadership and echoes throughout the organization. Active listening and compassion are very simple yet can make a world of difference in someone’s day. EQ (emotional intelligence) is a key skill to have in leadership.
2. Normalize mental health conversations.
Talk openly about stress, burnout, and well-being. Offer resources and encourage employees to take care of themselves – without judgement and/or stigma.
3. Celebrate diversity, don’t just tolerate it!
Go beyond policies and make diversity visible in leadership, marketing, and your day-to-day culture.
4. Create clear inclusion policies and follow through.
A policy is only as strong as its implementation. Make sure equity and belonging are built into every process – from hiring to career frameworks for promotions.
5. Empower authenticity.
Encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work. Whether it’s being open about identity, sharing ideas, or expressing boundaries – authenticity builds trust.
6. Provide training and support.
I’m a strong advocate for training and investing in education. Companies need to invest in DEI training and educate teams on unconscious biases, allyship, and inclusive language.
How Do We Move Forward?
Creating safe spaces at work isn’t a one-time initiative – it’s an ongoing commitment. It may be National Coming Out Day, but my reality is that I’m coming out every day! Every meeting, every partnership, every conference, and every conversation is an opportunity to show up authentically! Let’s continue to show up for one another, with kindness, curiosity and respect.
If you’re looking for an inspirational read on the power of belonging, I highly recommend We’ve Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging by Ritu Bhasin. She beautifully captures what it means to be accepted and honoured for who you truly are.
Because at the end of the day, belonging isn’t just about fitting into a mold – it’s about feeling free to just be yourself!
Authentically yours,
Nancy
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